[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTER AND THE OLYMPIC 
                           SOLIDARITY PROGRAM

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I rise today to praise the 
accomplishments of the Olympic Solidarity Program and its partnership 
with the Savannah International Training Center, the only recognized 
athletic training venue in the United States whose athletes are funded 
by the International Olympic Committee. This scholarship program has 
brought athletes from Africa and South America to Georgia, continuing 
the spirit of the 1996 International Olympic games by giving 
opportunities to athletes from developing countries.
  The Savannah International Training Center is the largest Solidarity 
Training Center in the world. The Solidarity Program provides athletes 
with funds for room and board, education, visas, transportation and 
training costs. In June 1996, 25 Olympic Solidarity Athletes arrived in 
Georgia from countries such as Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Colombia to 
participate in the outstanding track and field program. The facility 
hopes to be able to expand its programs to include weightlifting, 
swimming, and soccer. Essentially, the Solidarity Program provides 
athletes with a unique experience like no other in the United States or 
in the world.
  This program not only enhances the quality of life for the athletes; 
the Olympic Solidarity Program has provided the community of Savannah 
and the State of Georgia with an international experience comparable to 
the 1996 Olympic games. Exposure to the variety of cultures existing 
among the participating countries allows the citizens of Savannah to 
develop stronger ties with these nations and improve foreign 
relationships.
  The Savannah International Training Center continues to thrive and 
grow, exemplifying Georgia's commitment to the success of international 
athletics and the spirit of the Olympics. It is with great pride that I 
congratulate the Savannah International Training Center, the city of 
Savannah, the International Olympic Committee and the athletes involved 
for contributing to the unparalleled success of this distinguished 
program in the United States and for continuing the Olympic legacy in 
the State of Georgia.

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